CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A local nonprofit that helps single, pregnant women and girls needs donations to continue its mission.
Channel 9 anchor Erica Bryant learned how the agency has changed lives and the new challenge to help even more.
“When I found out I was pregnant with her, my family gave me an ultimatum -- either you can have an abortion or you can go and survive on your own,” Jasmine Christmas said.
She left and found a home at Florence Crittenton Services.
The agency has 49 beds and three programs to help women and girls at different stages of motherhood.
“I never had a mother, so I didn’t know how to be a nurturer,” Christmas said. “Being here, it taught me that.”
Staff members said their clients are often homeless or in foster care.
“Our youngest client has been 10 years old and we’ve had women in their 40s, but the average ago of our clients is 18 to 19,” said Sarah Hyde, who works at the agency.
Since 1903, Florence Crittenton has served more than 40,000 mothers and babies in the Charlotte area.
This year, a challenge from the Leon Levine Foundation will raise money to assist more.
“They will match $50,000 through June 15 from new, lapsed and increased donors,” Hyde said. “So, we are almost there.”
Recalled Christmas: “Without the services, I would have more children, be in an abusive relationship and a cycle of being in and out of jail, not finish my high school diploma or never attempt to go to college."
Because of the support she found at the organization, Christmas said the cycle that plagued her family for generations is finally broken.
“That’s the best thing they could have ever given me, believing in me,” Christmas said. “That’s all I ever needed.”
CLICK HERE for more information about making a donation. All the money donated to Florence Crittenton Services stays in the area.